Harriers ready to run for keeps
You’ve seen them running around the streets and parks. No, not the stray cats, but high school runners in preparation for the upcoming cross-country season. Key race dates include sectionals (Oct. 12), regionals (Oct. 19), semi-state (Oct. 26), and state (Nov. 2). Here is a preview of four area teams.
PLYMOUTH’S head coach is Curtis Nordmann. He is assisted by PHS grads Matt Hopkins and Stephen Hissong. The only home meet, run on the Pretty Lake Golf Course, is slated for Sept. 24. The Northern Lakes Conference meet will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Ox-bow Park in Elkhart. Sectionals and regionals will be run at Culver Academy. Semi-state is scheduled for the infamous New Prairie High School course and the state finals are held annually in Terre Haute. Last year PHS senior Enrique Salazar qualified for state, where he finished as the 61st best male runner.
Back in the fold for ’19 are returning seniors Ashley Rosas, Sydney Morrow, Konnor Ray, Bo Meadors, Brady Hissong, and Cam Riddle. Other returning letterwinners are Ella Hissong, Fatima Ramirez, Summer South, Jonah Howard, Robby Richards, Nick Anders, Brian Vegso, and David Schadek.
“There are some very talented incoming freshman we are excited about too,” added Nordmann. “We are very excited for this season. The kids have been working hard this summer putting in quality miles. Last year we sent one runner to the state level. This year we are looking to send more than that.”
CULVER ACADEMY, as usual, was the last team to start official practices, which was Monday. Despite the late start though, the Eagles have a strong core returning.
For the boys, four runners who should vie for the toppositions are: Joe Chandler (Sr), Andrew Setzer (Sr), Clay Long (Jr), and Sam Tullis (So).
“All progressed nicely last year and had good or decent track seasons,” said head coach Michael Chastain, who is assisted by Dana Neer, David Lawrence and Sarah Conrow. “There is some good experience leading the team with a good number of younger runners making solid contributions.”
For the girls, Marissa Rivera (Sr), Lexi Allen (Jr) and Maggie Bialek (Jr) are likely the top three.
“That should be a solid top two, with Marissa and Lexi leading the group,” added Chastain. “We will see how it goes when everyone gets back here. We are always shooting to give our best when the tournament rolls around.”
The Academy will host its popular Invitational for the 38th time, as well as being both a sectional and regional site.
Numbers are low at LAVILLE, but the Lancers will field a full boys team and are just one girl short from doing the same.
“They show up and work hard. I can already see so much growth,” said head coach Erin Ecker. “I’m